Zoo Atlanta Job Description

Job Title: Exhibit Interpreter II

Department: Education

Job Status: Part-time

Job Purpose: The Public Program team connects guests to our animal ambassadors, our mission and our work to conserve species, and strives to empower guests to advance the Zoo’s mission through their own appreciation and conservation of wildlife and wild places. This position is primarily responsible for conducting Interpretive and Conservation Education programs on-grounds and facilitating the Giraffe Feeding experience. This position directly reports to the Public Programs Supervisory Team and the Exhibit Interpreter Coordinator oversees daily responsibilities.

JOB FACTORS:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide interpretive, educational experiences for Zoo guests, including informal interpretation at exhibits, microphone presentations, interactive Conservation Carts, storybook readings, citizen science, Giraffe Feeding, and other engaging activities
• Raise awareness of conservation issues and empower a diverse audience of guests to take action through programs and educational opportunities
• Manage cash and credit card transactions with Zoo guests at Twiga Terrace, Zoo Atlanta’s Giraffe Feeding platform
• Monitor and instruct guests during Giraffe Feeding experience to ensure compliance to all protocols for the safety of guests and animals
• Perform formal scripted interpretive presentations to large crowds using a microphone
• Move large groups of guests through various exhibits by leading and providing crowd control for up to 60 guests at a time
• Provide excellent guest service inside exhibits to ensure a positive viewing experience for everyone
• Maintain positive working relationship with staff and volunteers at exhibits, including but not limited to other Exhibit Interpreter staff, Operations staff, Volunteer interpreters, Interns, and Animal Management staff
• Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials
• Assist with Zoo sponsored events, sometimes in early morning or evening hours
• Any other miscellaneous projects assigned by Zoo Atlanta’s Education management team
• Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement
• Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees to work weekends, holidays and evenings

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting
• Minimum of 6 months of experience working around animals
• Understanding of AZA-accredited institutions and related functions
• Extremely strong oral and written communication skills
• Very strong organizational, research, and editorial skills
• Experience working with children and families
• Experience handling cash and credit transactions preferred
• Comfortable with large crowd control situations and a focus on guest, animal, and staff safety
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer.
• Flexible schedule as weekend, holiday, and some evening work are required

Availability: Consistent weekend availability required, 3 days per week minimum required.

Education:

• Education level required for positions: Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
• National Association for Interpretation, Certified Interpretive Guide Certification preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds
Must be able to stand and walk for extended lengths of time

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Must be comfortable spending significant amounts of time and interpreting in very close proximity to all species, including reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and insects.